Mullin Player Of The Season, Knoyle & Wes In Team Of The Season

The EFL awards ceremony last night was pretty fruitful for United as Paul Mullin, Kyle Knoyle and Wes Hoolahan were all included in the League Two Team of the Season, with Mullin walking away with the overall Player of the Season gong.

Mullin has been in the form of his life this season, scoring 29 League goals so far, his best return by far. The former Morecambe, Swindon and Tranmere striker initially joined Mark Bonner’s U’s on loan last season, before penning a one year deal in the summer. An impressive understanding with Joe Ironside followed and has resulted in Mullin breaking David Crown’s longstanding record for goals in a season as well as having the South Stand named after him.

Hoolahan needs no introduction, a veteran of 38 years old he’s played in the Championship and Premier League for most of his career winning three promotions with Norwich and one with Blackpool. His international career saw a modest 43 caps for the Republic of Ireland, the highlight of which was a goal against Sweden at Euro 2016. He joined the U’s in the summer after a spell with Newcastle Jets in Australia. United fans initially had low expectations for Wes, assuming he would be an impact sub but he’s managed his body well and has made over thirty appearances in the Amber & Black this season.

Any other season Kyle Knoyle would have won Player of the Season comfortably, but he’s unlucky that we’ve had a number of standout performers this year. In his second season at the Abbey Knoyle has been almost ever-present at right back and has been a big part of our league position with his runs forward usually ending up with an assist or a pass to Wes to create something from. He’s made six assists this season as well as contributing with two goals of his own. We really hope we can keep him for another year as his contract is up at the end of the season.

Manager of the Season went to Cheltenham’s Mike Duff, Bonner will have been a strong candidate for the award in his first season of management, but we can’t argue with the work Duff has done at Cheltenham, who secured promotion with a draw against Carlisle earlier in midweek.